Loaded Jalapeño Poppers with Cheddar, Bacon & Garlic Cream Cheese
These baked jalapeño poppers are crispy, creamy, smoky, and packed with flavor in every bite. Fresh jalapeños are stuffed with a rich mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, garlic, green onion, and crispy bacon—perfect for parties, game day, or just an upgraded snack night. Baked to golden, melty perfection, they disappear fast. A spicy, cheesy, savory crowd-pleaser with a kick.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 poppers 1x
Ingredients
24 jalapeños, halved and seeds removed
16 oz cream cheese, softened
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
6 tbsp green onion, finely chopped
2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
12 oz cooked bacon, chopped
Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika or cayenne for heat
Optional topping: ½ cup panko breadcrumbs tossed in 1 tbsp melted butter (for extra crunch)
Instructions
Prep the Jalapeños:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes (wear gloves for safety). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, garlic, green onion, salt, pepper, and bacon. Add paprika or cayenne if using.
Stuff the Peppers:
Spoon the filling generously into each jalapeño half. For extra crunch, top with buttered panko.
Bake:
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and tops are golden.
Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra green onion or a drizzle of ranch or hot sauce for bonus flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g